Our new documentary film project will highlight “Old Survivor”, the East Bay’s only remaining old growth redwood, and tell the story of the East Bay’s historic, ecologically-amazing, and now-protected redwood forests. Featuring the East Bay Regional Park District, City of Oakland Parks, and Save the Redwoods League, the film will be used to promote outdoor recreation and open space networks, encourage stewardship, celebrate local history, and educate the viewer about forest ecology, connecting people to the redwoods in their own backyard. Oakland Trails is working with filmmaker Emily Fraser, who co-directed our previous film, Trailhead. Runtime is anticipated to be 20 minutes.

The film will be launched via a free public event, anticipated to be held at the Chabot Space & Science Center in October, 2018. Partners and community groups will be invited to table at the celebration where we’ll expect 1,000+ attendees. The projected budget for the film, including the premiere event, is $40,000.

Call for sponsors

If you or your business would like to be included in this project, please DONATE today, or contact us for a custom sponsorship package.

More information about Old Survivor and future projects in Leona Heights Park:

Located in Oakland’s Leona Heights Park, “Old Survivor” is the only old growth redwood tree in the East Bay. While the harvests in the mid 1800’s and early 1900’s wiped out vast old-growth redwood forests in the Oakland hills and beyond, “Old Survivor” was spared due to its location; it sits on a steep, rocky cliff.

Because of the rugged terrain, it also poses a challenge for visitors who’d like to get close to the venerable tree. In collaboration with Oakland Parks & Recreation Foundation and Oakland historian Dennis Evanosky, our organization is considering the following projects:

New trail construction for viewing Old Survivor, and creating a “loop” trail in Leona Heights Park

An educational panel exhibit explaining natural resources and the history of Oakland’s redwoods